Gender Dimensions of Migration: Implications for Adolescents’ Schooling in Urban Areas of Africa and Asia

Sophia Chae , Université de Montréal
Mark R. Montgomery, Population Council
Jessie Pinchoff, Population Council
Rodrigue Mare, Université de Montréal

Migration during adolescence, particularly to urban areas, brings with it many opportunities as well as risks. Adolescents moving from rural to urban areas gain access to better schooling and economic opportunities, as well as improved infrastructure and potentially better living conditions. These opportunities and risks vary by gender and are linked to gender differences in migration experiences and reasons for migration. Despite adolescents’ unique needs and circumstances, very rarely have migration studies focused on this specific age group and even fewer have compared their migration experiences across multiple countries. Our study examines migration among urban adolescents in 12 African and Asian countries. We use data from the Demographic and Health Surveys to describe the prevalence and type of migration (urban-urban, rural-urban) and examine whether adolescent migrants experience greater vulnerability and poorer schooling outcomes than non-migrants. Due to the gendered nature of migration, we explore these relationships separately by gender. Preliminary results indicate that migration prevalence is higher among girls and that most migrants originate from other urban areas. Adolescent migrants are significantly less likely to be living with one or both parents. While migrant girls are less likely to be in school than their non-migrant counterparts, no significant difference is observed among boys. The completed paper will provide greater insight into the lives of adolescent migrants in Africa and Asia and the vulnerabilities they encounter in urban areas. This information can be used to inform the development and delivery of services and programs to high-risk migrants in urban areas.

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 Presented in Session P3. Poster Session Migration, Economics, Environment, Methods, History and Policy